“Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3-4

Christmas is an exciting time at any age, but can you remember how amplified those feelings were as a child? The fervent belief that Santa would receive your wishes and come through on Christmas Day was like second nature. And the anticipation of waking up that morning fueled you through the season with abandoned hope. There are probably few things that conjure up such vivid memories for me.

If you’ve read the passages in Matthew 18 then you know we are called to have those feelings on a daily basis: authentic, unbridled joy. Having child-like faith is obviously not about being drawn to fantastical figures such as Santa Claus, but rather the honesty and innocence that faith is sustained by. Children are characteristically humble and teachable, which are traits that we should always strive toward. Although we are imperfect and fail, the best example we can give our children is to live out the very qualities we ask of them.

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:11

Just as children trust their earthly fathers (and Father Christmas for that matter) to fulfill their desires, we should be immensely more faithful that our Heavenly Father will provide greater gifts when we only ask. Let that be a hallmark of our faith as we receive God’s gift in Christ. And this Christmas, as well as into the New Year, let your authentic faith lead to a life full of joy.